“They bring not just color to the Capitol, but competence,” Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia told the crowd. “We need to make sure these people know we have their back.”

[media-credit id=302 align=”alignright” width=”270″][/media-credit] Sens. Morgan Carroll and Angela Giron. Carroll will be the first Democratic woman to serve as the majority leader, while Giron will be one of four Latinos in the Senate, the most ever.

[media-credit id=302 align=”alignright” width=”270″][/media-credit] Rep.-elect Jovan Melton and Josh Miller, political director for U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, at a the diversity reception.

And once again, Colorado leads the nation in the number of women lawmakers per capita.

Longtime lobbyists and politicos were stunned at the large turnout for the Celebrate Diversity Reception at the Wells Fargo Building downtown.

Members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado and the Colorado Democratic Latin@ Caucus, as well as other elected officials, were present for the get-together.

Also present were the “Mr. Speakers:” former House Speaker Ruben Valdez, current House Speaker Frank McNulty and future House Speaker Mark Ferrandino.

Others at the party included Rick Palacio, chairman of the Colorado Democratic Party; Rosemary Rodriguez, director for U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet; former state Rep. Rosemary Marshall; Denver City Auditor Dennis Gallagher; Tara “No Pictures, Please” Trujillo, staffer for U.S. Sen. Mark Udall; Denver City Clerk Debra Johnson; Josh Miller, staffer for U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette; and Denver City Council members Robin Kniech and Albus Brooks.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.